The Rhode Island Department of Health and Department of Environmental Management are urging the public to stay away from Almy Pond in Newport after detecting a harmful algae bloom that poses health risks to humans and animals.
State officials are recommending people avoid all recreational activities at the pond, including swimming, fishing, boating, and kayaking. The bloom is caused by blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, which naturally occur in water bodies but can produce dangerous toxins under certain conditions.
Water samples collected by DEM and analyzed by the RIDOH State Health Laboratory confirmed the presence of toxins and elevated cell counts at Almy Pond. The advisory remains in effect until further notice.
“Use caution in all areas of Almy Pond as HABs can move locations in ponds and lakes,” officials warned. They specifically advised against drinking untreated water from the pond or eating fish caught there, and urged pet owners not to allow their animals to drink or swim in the water.
Contact with contaminated water can cause skin, nose, eye, and throat irritation. If someone ingests the water, they may experience stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. More severe but less common symptoms include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage.
Young children and pets face higher risks because they are more likely to swallow water while playing in or around bodies of water. Anyone who has had contact with the pond and experiences symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.
If exposure occurs, officials recommend rinsing skin with clean water immediately, showering and washing clothes upon returning home, and washing pets with clean water while preventing them from licking algae from their fur. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian if their animal shows signs of illness such as fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea within 24 hours of exposure.
The contaminated water may appear bright to dark green with thick algae floating on the surface, resembling green paint, pea soup, or green cottage cheese. Officials advise people and pets to avoid contact with any water displaying these characteristics.
To report suspected blue-green algae blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 Press 6 or DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov. Photos of suspected blooms can be submitted with reports.
More information and current advisories are available on the Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard at www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen.